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Rogowski Out of Cheektowaga Board

Pleaded guilty to domestic violence incident this year

Cheektowaga, NY (WBEN) James Rogowski is no longer a member of the Cheektowaga Town Board. A judge rules Rogowski's guilty plea in a domestic violence matter violates his oath of office.

"The moment the respondent pled guilty to the criminal offense of attempted criminal contempt, a crime involving a violation of an officer's oath of office," wrote Judge Mark Montour, in regards to Rogowski's plea in a domestic matter in February. Rogowski is accused of violating an order of protection by following his wife while driving.

He plead guilty to attemtped criminal contempt earlier this year.

"Like the rest of the board, we asked for a resignation, and we're glad the judge agreed with our view," says Deputy Supervisor Brian Nowak. As far as whether this was a distraction, "We were doing the work on a daily basis, but it was a question raised up by individuals, community meetings, and I'll let each board member decide on their own."

Nowak says there is no word on whether there will be a special election as a result of the verdict.

Rogowski's attorney Jim Ostrowski says he will appeal. "It's clear to me this is the type of crime that does not disqualify you from public office," says Ostrowski. He suspects some politics may play a role.